June has been associated with weddings for thousands of years. During the Middle Ages couples married in June after the communal spring bath, thus starting marriage off clean. It’s not surprising that the June tradition continues with Filene’s annual Running of the Brides.
Thousands of brides, with family and friends, line up outside Filene’s to rush in and find THE dress. In a weak economy, the desire for an exceptional bargain is even greater—you just have to wade through racks of gowns—all together regardless of style, price or size. Team Blomquist (the future bride, the younger daughter and I) participated four years ago—it was a mad house.
We arrived two hours early; many were there the night before. It took five minutes to just get in the store when the doors opened. Like a sitcom people took off running. The “Team” grabs dresses and then the bride tries them on—no dressing rooms. The rejects are quickly placed back on the racks for other hungry brides.
The only bad thing was that my daughter actually found a dress, but it was missing the crystal belt. After purchasing a belt, my daughter decided she didn’t want the dress! I was tasked with selling our bargain.
Unfortunately, after several efforts and more than a few scammers trying to get our money, I gave up. Yet, this story has a happy ending. Our daughter was a gorgeous bride in the dress she bought!
And, last month we donated the dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer. With more than 32 yearly shows, it provides brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while contributing to programs for cancer patients and their families.
As for the Running of the Brides, I’ll never do it again, but it was crazy fun!
For more information, visit www.BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org.
